Thursday, May 1, 2014

PetZoom Pet Park Deluxe 3-Piece Dog Relief System

PetZoom Pet Park Deluxe 3-Piece Dog Relief System======================

THE NEW DELUXE VERSION:

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What makes this "deluxe" version stand out is the removable tray.

The PetZoom is the only model where the pee drains into a removable tray (see pic), which is MUCH easier to empty. In all the other models (including the cheaper PetZoom models), you have to carry the WHOLE unit (a big 2-foot tray of pee) to the bathroom to empty it, and cross your fingers you don't spill any. Simply put, it's a better design the pee drains away, so the astro-turf isn't sitting in a pool of pee all day, soaking it up.

The pad dimensions are 18"x24" (external dimensions of 20"x25"). This is currently priced at $99, when the "regular" PetZoom pad is $26-$34 ... again, with the only difference being the removable tray. It's a very nice feature, but I'm not sure it triples the value of the product.

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MY EXPERIENCE:

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My dog thinks these things are beds! LOL ... none of them have worked for us (yet).

He's getting older, and maybe once a week we have an accident where he can't hold it. He actually has taken to sleeping on top of the PetZoom (forget about the expensive Martha Stewart doggie bed we bought him! LOL) ... and got *OFF* it to pee on the floor, then hopped back on to go back to sleep!

I don't know that I can fault the products (it seems to work for maybe half the dogs out there, 50/50) so buying an astro-turf pet pad may be worth a shot if you need a solution.

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DESIGN PROBLEMS:

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We compared 5 units (see below), and most of them had the same problems.

The first problem is, the astro-turf slides off easily (on all 5 units) if your dog jumps on it, if a child trips on it, etc. It also means, a precocious dog could chew on the corners, pull the astro-turf mat right off the unit, etc. The edges should really be reinforced. The Potty Patch had the most durable astro-turf and least likely to slide off.

The second problem is, in 4 of the 5 units, the VOC's in the astro-turf are off the charts, & really smells. So even if your dog thinks it feels real, it definitely doesn't smell like anything in nature! So when you get it, rinse it over & over, then let it air out in direct sunlight for a few hours. The Potty Patch had the least offensive odor of them all.

The ideal scenario would be put the Potty Patch astro-turf on the PetZoom product, but the dimensions don't quite match up.

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SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON (with links & prices):

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(#2-#3) The "basic" PetZoom & the Pet Park

These units are nearly identical, with current price range of $25-$30, with free Amazon shipping.

These are probably the least expensive models you'll find, and may be a good place to start if you're not sure about it. They have no frills at all (cheap astro-turf, and no removable tray).

(#4) The Potty Patch by the American Kennel Club

Currently $33 with free Amazon shipping.

The major advantage of the Potty Patch is the higher quality anti-microbial, odor-fighting grass surface. All the others have basically the same astro-turf, which can get smelly, is less realistic, and some people complain their dogs don't like the texture. But again, it does not have the removable tray.

(#5) Ingrass Puppy Potty, with Free Spray Bottle of Puppy Attraction

The most expensive model on Amazon (currently $80), and also the largest. However, the other models should be fine for dogs up to 40 or 45 pounds. This model comes with a bottle of attractant, which I have mixed feeling about is this supposed to be the place your dog always pees? Or is it for emergencies only? Also, the spray may encourage them to pee on the *side* of the box to mark it and cover up the odor (instead of peeing *in* the box).

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Hope this helps save you some time & money!

What a wonderful concept; a designated place for dogs to relieve themselves when going outside isn't practical. It's much like the idea of a kitty litter box but, without the mess of the litter. The unit's three pieces appear to be well-made. The faux grass is one piece that fits right into a removable plastic tray. In this instance, your pet's urine goes through the `grass' and the plastic it sits in. Both pieces are held in the tray (the third piece) below. Your pet stands on an almost 2' X 2' area that's less than 3" high. That makes it accessible to virtually all but the largest dogs.

Solid waste is removed from the `grass' as you would if you were out walking your dog and removing it from a public area. The three parts of the unit (`grass', tray, and base) can be hosed to clean them.

In theory, housebreaking a pet should be more convenient. And once trained, this means no more rushing home to walk your dog; the Pet Park suffices until your return. Also, Poochie will suffer less stress during rainstorms, intense heat, blizzards, tornadoes, hurricanes, etc.

I wish it were this clear for my little dog, Maxx. He just won't cooperate. He's sniffed and turned up his cute little nose at doggie pads, a `pee pee post', and the Pet Park. At this point, I'm almost wishing he'd do it in the house so I can put the `grass' into the puddle, retaining the scent for him. After eight years of doing it his way, I'm beginning to believe that, you really can't teach an old(er) dog new tricks.

Despite liking the concept and the quality of the product, the price seems excessive, especially if your pooch will use the Pet Park infrequently. Perhaps if you are a pet owner who uses the disposable pads daily (and for several years), the cost (much like buying disposable diapers) is far more than for the Pet Park.

The questions to ask yourself are:

1. Will my pet be able to adapt to using the Pet Park?

2. Do I want to have my pet use an indoor facility versus going outdoors?

3. Do I want to clean the Pet Park after its use?

4. Where will the Pet Park be placed in my home?(It needs to remain in the same spot.)

5. Am I willing to pay the manufacturer's price for the product?

If your answers to questions 1, 2, 3, and 5 are `yes', then the Pet Park is just what your pooch needs.

Buy PetZoom Pet Park Deluxe 3-Piece Dog Relief System Now

This pet system is easy to assemble and absorbs waste pretty well. Great for a young pup in training or an older dog who is left at home for longer period of time.

Beware that you'll need to train the dog to use this, as the dog will not naturally think this is the same thing as going outside.

I'm leaving this in my house as a "use-it-if-I-don't-get-home-in-time" for my 11-year-old dachshund.

Read Best Reviews of PetZoom Pet Park Deluxe 3-Piece Dog Relief System Here

I have the original Pet Park, which I purchased for my son's old Miniature Pincers. After getting them used to the idea of using it, the Pet Park has been wonderful! They are too old to hold it all day while my son is at work so it keeps my son from finding puddles (and worse) all over the house.

I was delighted to be offered a chance to review the Pet Park Deluxe since I often "babysit" my son's little dogs.

The Pet Park Deluxe is basically a 3 piece system for dogs to pee and poop on when they can't go outside. It consists of a rigid plastic base which slants slightly to a drain hole in the center. Underneath the drain hole is a plastic drawer. On top of all this is a washable, faux grass mat with a mesh bottom. When your dog urinates on the grass mat, it drains through the mesh base onto the plastic base which funnels down through the drain hole into the drawer below. Poop sits on top of the grass, ready for you to scoop up and dispose of.

Maintaining it includes emptying the urine out of the drawer on a daily basis, picking up any poop on top, and hosing off the entire thing at least once a week to avoid odors. It works very well as long as you keep it clean and emptied.

Here are a few observations and tips:

First, your dog may not know what to do with this initially. The quickest way to get them used to using it is to put a little of your dog's poop on the grass. Sounds gross but it's less gross that finding pee and poop all over your house! Also, watching and rewarding your pooch with a little treat when he/she uses it reinforces the behavior. Be patient, especially if you have an older dog. The effort you put into getting your dog used to using this will pay off handsomely.

Second, this is a good sized "park" (25" x 20") but I think it is most useful for small dogs and puppies. It will fit nicely even on a small patio for those who live in apartments. I can't imagine my lab being able to use it successfully, though.

Third, the key to keeping this fresh smelling is to hose it regularly. A pressure washer with some detergent is what we use so the mats always smell fresh, which is important if it will be in your house. Drying the grass mat in the sun really gets rid of odors, but it takes a little while to dry. I would suggest, once you make sure your dog likes using it, buying two or three replacement grass mats for this park. That way you always have a fresh, clean mat. Pet Zoom Pet Park Replacement Pads

Fourth, if your dog pees a lot or if you have 2 dogs, the drawer with the urine sloshes around a little when you pull it out to empty it. I use a folded up paper towel or chux pad in the bottom of the drawer to minimize sloshing. For dogs who only have trouble holding urine for long periods, a Champion Blue Disposable Underpads (Chux), Small Size 17 x 24, Pk/25 fits well directly under the grass mat and is easy to fold up and dispose of. The larger size pads work great, hold more urine, and only hang out a little around the sides.

Since my son's dogs are already used to their Pet Park, they have had no problem using this Pet Park Deluxe. Good thing for me since I had them here for the entire Labor Day weekend.

If you live in an apartment or are house training a puppy or have an older pet who cannot hold it very long, this product is fantastic.

Want PetZoom Pet Park Deluxe 3-Piece Dog Relief System Discount?

Nice, easy to clean 3-piece unit for indoor use by small to medium size dogs. The waste tray is removable and can be easily hosed off. My dog would rather sleep on the artificial grass, but once I taught him how to use it, this item will be well worth the money. What a relief it will be to no longer come home to surprises, or to have to rush home. So far, my task has been to teach an old dog new tricks, but I am confident that all will end well. This is a good looking non-toxic item, safe for your home and decor, although I plan on using it in the back patio.

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